3 Review(s)

"Locked Out: The Great Strike of the Building Trades in Chicago" by James C. Beeks delves into a pivotal moment in labor history, focusing on the massive strike that shook the building trades in Chicago. Beeks meticulously chronicles the events leading up to the strike, highlighting the struggles of workers seeking better wages and working conditions. Through vivid storytelling and thorough research, the author brings to life the voices of the laborers, their unions, and the challenges they faced against powerful construction interests in a rapidly industrializing city.***The book not only examines the immediate impact of the strike on the workers and their families but also explores the broader implications for labor movements across the United States. Beeks provides a nuanced analysis of the political and social climate of the time, illustrating how this strike was a reflection of the larger fight for workers' rights. By weaving together personal narratives and historical context, "Locked Out" serves as both a compelling narrative and an important scholarly work that sheds light on the ongoing struggles within the labor movement.